During our recent stay at the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, the only on-property restaurant open at that time was the Mai Tai Bar. This, of course, is due to the pandemic. And because I wasn't given an elite benefit choice at check-in and was given a breakfast voucher, here's my Mai Tai Bar Breakfast review. … [Read more...] about Mai Tai Bar Breakfast at the Royal Hawaiian
Waikiki
Monkeypod Kitchen is Opening in Waikiki
Monkeypod Kitchen by Peter Merriman is set to open its fourth location later this year. It'll be the brand's second Oahu location and its first inside a hotel. And while its menu will be similar to its other locations, it'll have some unique offerings. So where's it going? That's right, Monkeypod Kitchen is opening in Waikiki! … [Read more...] about Monkeypod Kitchen is Opening in Waikiki
Dinner at the Hau Tree at the Kaimana Beach Hotel
I don't know what I was looking forward to more during our Royal Weekend staycation - our stay at the Royal Hawaiian or dinner at the Hau Tree at the Kaimana Beach Hotel? After all, the culinary team behind the Hau Tree is almost like a foodie dream team. … [Read more...] about Dinner at the Hau Tree at the Kaimana Beach Hotel
Review: Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
As I mentioned during my Royal Weekend Staycation introduction post, I mentioned my stay at the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. It's someplace I didn't think I would stay at. But, thanks to my lack of travel due to the pandemic and great kama'aina rates, I finally pulled the trigger. … [Read more...] about Review: Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
Royal Weekend Staycation – Introduction
With tourist arrivals still incredibly low in Hawaii, local hotels have been offering great kama'aina deals. So, to bring you guys a bit more reviews (and for a change of scenery for me), I've been taking advantage of these deals. Hence my next "trip report" for my Royal Weekend Staycation. … [Read more...] about Royal Weekend Staycation – Introduction
Waikiki Sand Replenishment Round 2 Begins
In 2012, the State of Hawaii sought to combat Waikiki Beach's erosion with a sand replenishment project. Nine years later, most of that sand is already gone. So the Waikiki sand replenishment round 2 begins to restore the beach once again. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Sand Replenishment Round 2 Begins
Restaurant Review: Island Vintage Wine Bar
When we have staycations at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, we usually dine at Sansei Waikiki. But, thanks to the pandemic, none of the hotel's restaurants are open. As a result, we decided to trek over to the Royal Hawaiian Center and get dinner at Island Vintage Wine Bar. … [Read more...] about Restaurant Review: Island Vintage Wine Bar
My Not-2020 Honolulu Marathon Staycation Intro
For the past couple of years, Mrs. Island Miler has participated in the Honolulu Marathon. And, during both of those years, we stayed in Waikiki to make things easier for ourselves. This year was supposed to be no different, but it's 2020. So, here's my not-2020 Honolulu Marathon Staycation trip report introduction. … [Read more...] about My Not-2020 Honolulu Marathon Staycation Intro
The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel Rebrands
New Otani Hotels is a small hotel operator headquartered in Japan. And, until recently, the company had two properties outside of their home country. But, now, they have only one as the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel rebrands. … [Read more...] about The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel Rebrands
Diamond Head State Monument Reopens
After spending the last nine months closed, Diamond Head State Monument reopens to visitors. The iconic mountain, known as Leahi in Olelo Hawaii, along with its famous hiking trail, is one of Hawaii's top attractions. And while it has reopened, things won't be the same, at least for now. … [Read more...] about Diamond Head State Monument Reopens
